By Erin Smith
The Cape Fear River has begun to rise and is expected to reach flood levels as high as Hurricane Matthew, according to the National Weather Service. Bladen County has received between 12 to 15 inches of rain as of Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service. More rain is forecast for the coming days.
Bladen County Emergency Management has issued a mandatory evacuation for residents who live along the Cape Fear River and along Burney Road, River Road and Tar Heel Ferry Road in White Oak due to the flooding.
Many neighborhoods across the county are feeling the affects of Hurricane Florence.
The Cape Fear River is forecast to reach major flood stage by Sunday and possibly set a record at William O. Huske Lock and Dam No. 1 near Kelly. The National Weather Service is forecasting the Cape Fear River to reach moderate flood stage near Tar Heel by Sunday morning and to reach major flood stage on Tuesday.
The Cape Fear River is forecast to reach minor flood stage near Elizabethtown today (Saturday, September 15) and to crest slightly higher than Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
The Cape Fear River near Kelly is forecast to crest one foot higher than Hurricane Matthew on Monday or Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Several roads in Bladen County have water running across them or have been closed due to issues with flooding.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and to continue to monitor the storm and heed any warnings issued.
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